Migration and Immigration in Antebellum America

These flashcards cover the key concepts and important facts regarding migration, immigration, and social changes in Antebellum America, focusing on the roles of nativism, the middle class, women in the workforce, and urban economic conditions.

Who were the nativists in Antebellum America?

Nativists were people born in the U.S. who feared and hated immigrants, viewing them as a dangerous radical force in politics.

What characterized the emerging middle class in Antebellum America?

The emerging middle class was the fastest growing group, living in cities and owning property; women often remained in households while children learned skills.

What was the immigration trend in the first three decades of the 19th century?

Initially, immigration contributed little to the American population but later experienced a significant boom, especially in cities such as St. Louis, Chicago, and Milwaukee.

Which groups primarily made up the immigrant population during the immigration boom?

The newcomers were largely from Ireland and Germany.

Where did most Irish immigrants settle in the U.S.?

Most Irish immigrants, who were predominantly Catholic, settled in eastern cities.

Why did many German immigrants move west in America?

Many Germans moved west to seek opportunities to farm and became farmers or small businessmen, as they could not move south due to slavery.

What was one of the factors contributing to urban growth during this period?

Urban growth was also fueled by internal migration, as farmers migrated out of necessity to escape economic limitations in the South.

What anti-Catholic attitude developed in response to Irish and German immigration?

An anti-Catholic attitude grew parallel to nativism, contributing to the formation of the 'Know-Nothing' Political Party.

What invention in the 1840s contributed to changes in middle-class homes?

The cast-iron stove allowed middle-class homes to replace fireplaces as the main cooking method.

What was the economic situation of the wealthy and the poor in urban cities?

The gap between the wealthy and poor widened, with the wealthy not increasing worker wages, resulting in greater wealth for the rich but stagnation for the poor.

What opportunities did women have in the workforce during the Market Revolution?

Women found employment opportunities, but they were paid less than men and were often hired as cheaper labor.

What were Lowell Mills and their impact on productivity?

Lowell Mills were places where women worked and lived, leading to increased productivity. Women earned between $2.50 and $3.25 a week.

What trend occurred in the labor force by the 1830s and 1840s?

By this time, as wages decreased and working conditions worsened, poor Irish immigrants began to replace women in the labor force.

How did working conditions lead to the involvement of child laborers?

Deteriorating working conditions in mills led to the hiring of child laborers, who were paid even less than women.